Go to a sleep specialist. If you can't, then read library books and websites
on insomnia.

Maybe that’s where I should go. I wish I could just let go and sleep normally again.

Gentle empathy, Letsbe. It's hard to be optimistic under the influence of sleep deprivation.

For what it's worth, I used to suffer epic bouts of insomnia and fighting never did a thing to ease the problem. I got a whole lot further with therapy tools that helped ease the anxiety, et al, that were behind the problem. Insomnia was only one of many symptoms. Keeping a therapy journal and leaning heavily on my therapy support network (DS is part of that network) were/are my most used tools in that healing process.

But that is me and every case is unique. . .

Gentle support and hopes for a restorative rest while you sort your own. However unique our individual cases, there remains strength in knowing none of us is alone.

Letsbe, let me ask you a few questions to understand better what you are going through.
What keeps you up at night?
Is it related to your daily activities? to the past? to the future?...
What are your current fears?
If you would describe yourself (not physically but mentally) what words would you use? (please, give me at least 3)
What do you think is missing in your life?

This will help me giving you a more accurate answer. (if I can)
Lou

constant insomnia - u cant function & nights are forever. there are things that help some people but not all of us. if u want, PM me, tell me what u tried aside from therapy & i cd tell u what u cd try. be well.

Have you seen a doctor for this?

No, you won't die from insomnia. I hope you can figure out what the issue is and that you get good nights of sleep real soon.

I am recently in the same boat. After finally falling asleep I don’t stay asleep. What are some sleeping tips with people with anxiety? I need to shut my mind off and think positively.

The television puts me to sleep at any time of day as well. I watch TV for a hour and i am in bed.Another way is too think of any good thing that happened to you and be grateful for that..and than i count from 99 downwards And or my breathing..between them all i hope one helps you ( Hugs)

Useful info. Lucky me I discovered your website unintentionally, and I'm surprised why this coincidence did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.

I just read an article today about a Japanese technique gaining notoriety. It's called "moon breathing."

All you have to do is block your right nostril by holding it closed with your finger and concentrate on breathing through your left for a few minutes. those who swear by it say that it really helps calm your thoughts and regulate your breathing.

I haven't tried it yet, but it's a no-drug, no-cost method, so worth a try!

I’ve slept better the last couple of nights. Just trying to work this out. I will work out today and try to get myself tired. I get ruminating thoughts sometimes which I know are irrational. I broke up w someone recently and my mind thinks..if you made a mistake and let him go because of anxiety, you shouldn’t sleep and should be anxious. Or if you have to take medication with sexual side effects, you shouldn’t sleep. My mind constantly looks for reasons for me not to sleep. I just want to be normal again.
Thanks for your feedback. I really appreciate it.

LouMarlene...a lot of my thoughts are reasons for me not to sleep, but they are irrational...I shouldn’t sleep because I might’ve let someone go because of anxiety, if I don’t sleep and need medication, I should fight it and not sleep. If I have to take meds long term for insomnia, I shouldn’t sleep. If I don’t sleep, I should also be anxious during the day. I don’t know why I think these things, I don’t want to punish myself but I battle these thoughts daily.

Gosh, I understand sleep deprivation... maybe a little different for me since mine is due to children, however, I understand how hard it can be! I would definitely suggest visiting your healthcare provider or a sleep specialist. You are not alone and I am sure once you reach out you will find some good support. Praying for rest and that you find the support you need.

Have you seen a doctor, or a therapist for the OCD?

Try not using the words "should" and "shouldn't", and see if it helps you feel a bit better. The words we tell ourselves can be very powerful.

I hope you get more sleep soon!

I have struggled with seemingly milder bouts of insomnia from time to time. I also struggle with anxiety disorder, which is ongoing and often debilitating, even landing me in the ER a couple of times.

I take a Xanax each night before bed which is prescribed to me by my physician. This is helpful for me.

Another thing that I find helpful is listening to lucid dream, or astral travel guided meditations on YouTube when I lay down for bed.

Even if I don't get standard sleep, I get some level of rest which is mostly adequate. Usually these days I do end up falling into a complete sleep even if I'm trying to stay awake through the meditation.

I don't know if this will help you, but it helped me. It's like I'm not "fighting" the insomnia, but just embracing it by trying these dreaming exercises while awake. Eventually I just started sleeping.